Last week I asked The National Archives for an estimate for document copying using the reference on their website: "reference WO 121/85/68 (part of document WO 121/85) Thomas Pitman"
I've just had their reply: "We are able to spend up to twenty minutes attempting to identify the material specified by you in up to five records, in order to estimate the copying cost. Our preliminary examination shows that your request would require a longer search than this, so we are unable to proceed."
I don't understand - I thought a reference number should lead them relatively easily to the correct document. They say I can go and do the research myself, but if the people who know the system can't find it, then I'm not likely to be able to! (I'm not likely to get to Kew, anyway). Any advice on what I can do?
scuda
I've just had their reply: "We are able to spend up to twenty minutes attempting to identify the material specified by you in up to five records, in order to estimate the copying cost. Our preliminary examination shows that your request would require a longer search than this, so we are unable to proceed."
I don't understand - I thought a reference number should lead them relatively easily to the correct document. They say I can go and do the research myself, but if the people who know the system can't find it, then I'm not likely to be able to! (I'm not likely to get to Kew, anyway). Any advice on what I can do?
scuda
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